Apple planning UMTS/CDMA ‘worldmode’ iPhone
The long rumored iPhone nano could be on the verge becoming a reality, according to a rumor out of Taiwan. Moreover, reportedly smaller version of Apple’s world changing smartphone will pack quite a wallop as it’s expected to bridge incompatible CDMA and UMTS wireless systems, raising hopes once again of the iPhone coming to Verizon.
Quoting a report from OTR Global, which bills itself as “the premier provider of industry intelligence” and for institutional investors, AppleInsider brings us the news that Apple is working with Asustek subsidiary Pegatron to produce a “worldmode” iPhone based on a new CDMA 2000 + UMTS 3G hybrid chip from Qualcomm. Moreover, this new handset will feature a 2.8 inch screen, smaller than the 3.5 inch display used in current models.
Availability is pegged for mid-2010.
To date, Hon Hai has manufactured every iPhone. Apple purportedly has decided to go with a different OEM to avoid being “constrained by a single-source assembler.”
The Asustek name should be familiar to Mac aficionados as the Taiwan-based tech manufacturer is a long-time Apple partner and makes the company’s consumer MacBook portable.
A reason to wait?
Given Verizon’s strongest smartphone offering to date — Motorola Droid — now shipping, more than a few people (See also: Video: Pogue reviews Verizon’s Motorola Droid) are saying they’re tempted to go with the second-best handset on the best network, including this Verizon customer.
Now, with a worldmode iPhone apparently wending its way through prototyping and testing in Asia, with a rumored mid-2010 arrival, there’s cause for pause. There’s also the rumor, AT&T’s network be damned, of $99 iPhone 3GS by Christmas, which is yet another potential reason to blink before signing up for two years with anyone else.
What about you? Perhaps it’s time to stop waiting for AT&T to get its act together or for the iPhone to magically appear on Verizon…
What’s your take?
Related posts:
November 7th, 2009
Not sure if Apple would like to have iPhone on Verizon after extensive bashing it by Verizion (iDon’t Ads)
January 26th, 2010
Your article is really very unique view.
From this article I learned a lot.